<p>A group of students from grades 4-6, staff and parent volunteers have been meeting over the past few weeks as the <em>Mapleview Heights Equity and Inclusion Committee</em>. At these meetings they have discussed and learned about equity and inclusion issues that are of importance to them and others. Students have been encouraged to challenge their thinking and biases through the "unlearn" initiative (<a href="http://www.unlearn.com/">www.unlearn.com</a>). They have created posters based on their interpretation of the word "unlearn" and have analyzed various examples of graphic art that has promoted and encouraged deeper thinking. As the committee moves ahead into the spring, the students will consider other E&I-based initiatives including First Nations topics, bullying and more. The committee is currently planning how to get others involved as well as aiming to display their work to make equity and inclusion a strong visible presence around the school. If you are a parent of a Mapleview student and are interested in participating, please contact Mr. Levan for more information.</p><p> </p>

<p>​The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) is excited to announce two partnerships for the 2017-18 school year. The SCDSB has worked with Dell Canada and Staples to provide affordable options for families considering a technology purchase. Both programs are approved by the SCDSB.<br><br>Information about both programs, including product details and how to order, is available below. If you have questions about the programs, please contact either a Dell Education Advisor or your nearest Staples store, as appropriate.<br><br><a href="http://scdsb.on.ca/About%20Us/News%20Documents/SimcoeCountyDSB-Dell%20BYOD_June2017.pdf">Dell Canada BYOD program letter</a><br><a href="http://scdsb.on.ca/About%20Us/News%20Documents/SchoolToolsBYOD_SimcoeLetter_EN.pdf">Staples BYOD program letter</a><br> <br></p>

<div>​​The Ontario Ministry of Education is working with researchers to gather feedback and input to inform the development of the Third Progress Report on the implementation of the First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education Policy Framework. <br><br>Students, parents/guardians and families, teaching and nonteaching staff, Indigenous communities, organizations and partners, and school boards are invited to participate in an online survey and/or online focus groups to capture successes and help to identify promising practices and opportunities to provide further support to enhance the achievement and well-being of Indigenous students. <br><br>Third Progress Report - <a href="https://sondages.outsidesoft.com/Engine/Default.aspx?surveyID=6A64A645-0C53-4CFF-9495-6E1A5E830F36">English survey</a></div><div>Troisième Rapport D’Étape - <a href="https://sondages.outsidesoft.com/Engine/Default.aspx?surveyID=6A64A645-0C53-4CFF-9495-6E1A5E830F36&idlang=FR">French survey​</a> <br><br></div><div>It is important to note that:</div><div><ul><li>​​​Participation in this survey is voluntary. </li><li>This survey is confidential. That means that all answers will be combined anonymously (without any identifying information) with the answers received from other participants. No one who sees the answers will be able to link them to any individual person. </li><li>Anyone can stop doing this survey at any time without any repercussions.</li></ul></div><div>All stakeholders are invited to participate in the online focus groups. To participate, RSVP to thirdprogressreport@gmail.com indicating which session you would like to attend. Please note that while we will make efforts to accommodate everyone spaces are limited to 10-12 people per session on a first come, first served basis. <br><br></div><div><table cellspacing="0" width="100%" class="ms-rteTable-default"><tbody><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:25%;"><strong>Students</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:25%;"><strong>Parents/Guardians</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:25%;"><strong>Teaching/Non-Teaching Staff</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:25%;"><strong>Indigenous Organizations & Partners</strong></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p style="text-align:center;">Tuesday, May 23 </p><p style="text-align:center;">8-9pm EST (English)</p></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p style="text-align:center;">Monday, June 12 7:30-8:30 pm EST</p><p style="text-align:center;">(English)</p></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p style="text-align:center;">Thursday, May 25 6-7pm EST</p><p style="text-align:center;">(English)</p></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p style="text-align:center;">Thursday, June 1 2-3pm EST</p><p style="text-align:center;">(English)</p></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p style="text-align:center;">Thursday, June 1 7-8pm EST</p><p style="text-align:center;">(English)</p></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p style="text-align:center;">Thursday, June 15 7-8 pm EST</p><p style="text-align:center;">(English)</p></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p style="text-align:center;">Thursday, June 1</p><p style="text-align:center;">7-8pm EST</p><p style="text-align:center;">(English)</p></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p style="text-align:center;">Friday, June 2</p><p style="text-align:center;">2-3pm EST</p><p style="text-align:center;">(English)</p></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p style="text-align:center;">Monday, June 19 7-8pm EST</p><p style="text-align:center;">(English)</p></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p style="text-align:center;">Wednesday, June 21</p><p style="text-align:center;">7-8pm EST</p><p style="text-align:center;">(English)</p></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p style="text-align:center;">Thursday, June 15 7-8 pm EST</p><p style="text-align:center;">(English)</p></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p style="text-align:center;">Thursday, June 8 2-3pm EST</p><p style="text-align:center;">(English)</p></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p style="text-align:center;">Monday, June 19 7-8pm EST</p><p style="text-align:center;"> (French)</p></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p style="text-align:center;">Monday, June 26</p><p style="text-align:center;">7-8pm EST</p><p style="text-align:center;">(French)</p></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p style="text-align:center;">Tuesday, June 20</p><p style="text-align:center;">7-8 pm EST</p><p style="text-align:center;">(French)</p></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p style="text-align:center;">Tuesday, June 27</p><p style="text-align:center;">7-8 pm EST</p><p style="text-align:center;">(French)​</p></td></tr></tbody></table><br></div><div><br></div><div>The Indigenous Education Office of the Ministry of Education would be pleased to respond to any questions you may have regarding the process of engagement and data collection to inform the development of the Third Progress Report. Please send any questions directly to Jennifer Feasby, Manager Education Policy and Programs Unit (Jennifer.Feasby@ontario.ca).<br><br><br></div><div><br></div>

<div>​​Recently there has been significant media coverage of the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why. The show is a fictional account of one teen’s suicide and the factors leading to it. <br><br>The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) has advised staff that they are not to use the series as a teaching tool. This decision is based upon the advice of mental health professionals from across the province, who have stated that the material is graphic and potentially triggering for vulnerable young people. While the themes in this series may not pose a risk or potential harm to most students, for those struggling with mental health issues and/or suicide ideation, this series includes graphic content, glamourizes suicidal behaviours and portrays helpers (school guidance counsellors) in a negative way. <br><br>We recognize that your children may watch the series on their own. If they do, we encourage you to talk with them about their thoughts and feelings. The SCDSB has supports in place for students and staff, and there are many community resources you can access as well. More information and contact details are available on the <a href="http://www.scdsb.on.ca/Programs/Safe-and-Healthy-Schools/Pages/Mental-Health.aspx">SCDSB website​</a>. <br><br>The National Association of School Psychologists has also developed <a href="http://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources/school-safety-and-crisis/preventing-youth-suicide/13-reasons-why-netflix-series-considerations-for-educators">information regarding the series​</a>. You may also find this helpful in discussions with your children about suicide and mental health. <br><br>If you have questions or concerns please contact your principal.</div><div><br></div>

Parents, tell us what you think: survey about climate, safety at school

<div>​​Parents and guardians can provide feedback on the climate at our school through a survey that will be open from January 9 to 27.</div><div><br></div><div>Survey topics include: the overall tone of the school, feeling of safety, student well-being, and equity and inclusion.</div><div><br></div><div style="text-align:center;"><strong>Complete the survey now</strong></div><div style="text-align:center;"><br></div><div style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://fluidsurveys.com/s/SCParent1617/">http://fluidsurveys.com/s/SCParent1617/</a></div><div><br></div><div>A similar survey is being conducted with staff and students. Each school will receive a report of the school results. The Simcoe County District School Board’s (SCDSB) senior administrative team and Board of Trustees also review the board-wide results. </div><div><br></div><div>The data will show our progress over time, and will highlight areas of strength and areas in need of improvement. </div><div><br></div><div>Parent and staff versions of the elementary School Climate Survey are being offered for the first time this year. Parent and staff versions of the secondary School Climate Survey were offered for the first time last year. Student School Climate surveys have been collected since 2007.</div><div><br></div><div>Questions can be sent to <a href="mailto:research@scdsb.on.ca">research@scdsb.on.ca​</a>. </div><div><br></div>

<p> </p><p>Do you have a little one starting school for the first time this fall? We know that is it an exciting time for both students and parents. Here is some information about Kindergarten in the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) and what you can expect and how to plan for the first day of school:</p><div><ul><li>Senior Kindergarten students begin school on Tuesday, September 6, 2016.<br></li><li>Junior Kindergarten students begin school on Thursday, September 8, 2016.<br></li><li>Note that <a href="http://www.scdsb.on.ca/Schools/School%20Documents/16-17-Elementary-Calendar-Modifed.pdf">Ernest Cumberland ES</a> is on a modified calendar. The first day of school for Ernest Cumberland JK students is Wed. Aug. 24.<br></li><li>On the first day, proceed to the Kindergarten yard or entrance to meet your educators and find out what class your child will be in.<br></li><li>Please <a href="https://sharingsimcoe.com/2016/07/21/kindergarten-what-your-child-needs-on-the-first-day/">pack the following items in your child’s backpack</a> to be left at school:<br></li><ul><li>Indoor running shoes (Velcro or elastic laces)</li><li>A large Ziploc bag with extra clothes (one pair of pants, one shirt, two pairs of underwear, two pairs of socks)</li><li>​Please ensure everything is labelled</li></ul><li>Pack a lunch and snacks in reusable, labelled containers, including a bottle for water. For healthy lunch ideas, check out <a href="http://www.eatrightontario.ca/en/Articles/School-Health/Articles/Healthy-lunch-ideas-for-the-new-school-year.aspx#.V7SKAPkrK71">EatRight Ontario</a>.<br></li></ul></div><p>If your child will ride the school bus, the <a href="http://main.simcoecountyschoolbus.ca/sites/default/files/SCSTC%20-%20Bus%20Tag%20Program%20-%202016-17.pdf">Bus Tag</a> program provides each Kindergarten student with a coloured tag that identifies the child’s name, route number, bus colour and stop location. All students with a bus tag must be met at their stop by a parent/guardian. To practice riding the bus and learn about bus safety, attend a <a href="http://main.simcoecountyschoolbus.ca/sites/default/files/SCSTC%20First%20Rider%20Program%20Summer%202016_0.pdf">First Rider</a> session provided by the <a href="http://main.simcoecountyschoolbus.ca/">Simcoe County Student Transportation Consortium</a>. ​</p><p>If your child is turning four years old before Dec. 31, 2016 and you have not yet registered them for Kindergarten, you can do so by calling 705-734-6363 x11750 or emailing <a href="mailto:studentregistration@scdsb.on.ca">studentregistration@scdsb.on.ca</a> to schedule an appointment to register in person at the SCDSB’s Education Centre (1170 Hwy. 26 in Midhurst) until August 26 while school offices are closed. Starting August 29, please contact your <a href="https://scstc.ca/Eligibility.aspx?Page=School">home school</a> to register as school offices will re-open that week.</p><p>If you have any further questions about your child’s first day, please <a href="http://www.scdsb.on.ca/Schools/Pages/SchoolSearch.aspx">contact your school​</a> the week of August 29.</p><p>​</p>

<p>​</p><p>The Simcoe County Student Transportation Consortium (SCSTC) launched the Bus Tag<strong> </strong>program this September.<strong> </strong>The Bus Tag program supports safety for JK/SK and other school-identified students by<strong> </strong>providing a process to match students to their assigned afternoon school bus and to also<strong> </strong>identify they must be met by a parent or guardian at their afternoon bus stop.</p><p>The program provides:</p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li>a colour coded bus tag with the assigned p.m. route number to be attached to the student's backpack</li><li>a colour-coded route card with route number in the windows of the school bus that the Bus Tag is matched to</li></ul><p>The SCSTC and Bus Operators have policies and procedures that are used on all school vehicles to ensure students in JK/SK and other school identified students are met at their afternoon bus stop. It's the parent/guardian's responsibility to meet Junior Kindergarten, Senior Kindergarten and other identified students at the bus stop .The Bus Tag program has been established to assist both the schools and school bus drivers to load these students on the correct afternoon bus and identify they are to be met at their bus stop by a parent/guardian. For more information, contact the Transportation Consortium through their website: <a target="_blank" href="http://main.simcoecountyschoolbus.ca/"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">http://main.simcoecountyschoolbus.ca/</span></a> or call them at 705-733-8965.</p>

<p>​</p><p>The SchoolCash Online program is now available at all schools, offering parents the option to pay online for field trips, lunch days and other items. The program is intended to reduce paper, eliminate the need for students to travel with money, and for money to be counted and stored at schools.<strong> </strong>Payment by credit card has now also been added. </p><p>Parents who sign up will receive a notification when a new item becomes available for purchase. Items are personalized to each student. Parents will use a secure online account to process payments, and can either make a one-time payment for each item as it occurs, or load money to carry a balance in the online account to make payments in the future. </p><p>To create an online account, go to <a href="https://simcoecounty.schoolcashonline.com/" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-CA" style="text-decoration:underline;">https://simcoecounty.schoolcashonline.com</span></a>. Please contact the school office with any questions.</p>